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Wednesday, 27 April 2011

Sunny Shopping down London Town

I have just come back from short jaunt down in London. The sun had its biggest hat on while I tripped around all the usual shopping haunts, I do find it hard and exhausting trying to fit everything in! There is always so much to check out and I over used my Oyster card jumping on and off tubes. I only took a few photos throughout my travels but here is a little selection.

I had a great time as always. I love checking out what everyone else is up to, what kind of vintage they have and what the new & independent designers are creating. It is definitely the bonus side of my job!I did my usual tours, such as Brick Lane vintage stores which seemed to have multiplied since I last visited, especially along to road towards Beyond Retro, this being one of the most famous and biggest. If you are prepared to rummage the endless packed rails you will always find something at an affordable price. I picked up a great floral & pokadot print jumpsuit for £20.Of course while around Brick Lane do check out The Laden Showroom for all the latest independent designers there. I picked up some great summer pieces by Emily & Fin.

My lovely London thift informant Leona from Thriftola told me about an antique flea market that she was going on at the Camden Passage on Wednesday. So I went along to meet her. I think this runs every Wednesday. If you get off the Islington Angel tube station its a 2 minute walk to a fantastic array of antiques, crockery, furniture, nic naks, from postcards to strange ornamental collectors pieces. You name it one of these sellers will have it. It was a great place to have a good look around.I especially feel in love with this strip light letters invention, (pictured). These were in the window of a highly recommended shop called Odyssey, 11 Pierrepont Arcade. This shop, like the 20 other units are more permanent than the Wednesday market folks. The owner informed us that the letters are in fact 1920's design. I was indeed jealous and still dreaming of owning these letter lights. I still can't believe its 1920's.If you make your way through this little street of what is called the Pierrepont Arcade you find yourself entering more little street adorn with some really great thrift sellers. This trip is definitely worth it. For those in search of proper vintage yet worth it look no further than Cloud Cuckoo Land and Annie's. These shop do come with a price tags but Cloud Cuckoo LAnd for me was simple beautiful and worth every penny. Gorgeous original and perfect condition 1920's and 1950' dresses in particular, also a range of vintage wedding dresses. If you really want to see what real vintage is like take a trip to these stores.If you have the energy then go to the Old Spitalfields vintage Market! I think it runs every Thursday. I turned up on a hot sunny day and only got round a quarter of what was on offer! These stall offer proper market prices and bartering. Of course when visiting Spitalfields you always have to check out the New and Independent designers there. I met designer Chung Rowe, (pictured), selling her hand made beautiful jewellery and clothing and hope to have her collection on Godiva soon!! A shopping trip to London is always worth it but do plan ahead and there really is too much to check out and see.Have a good bank holiday weekend!Fleur xx